September 13, 2017: SOAP #2841: Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 33:11 Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’
Psalm (NIV) 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Observation:  I like to stop and meditate on verses that show what God likes, what He enjoys, what blesses Him, what brings Him pleasure.  As I read the first verse above, my memory was drawn to the second.

Both verses speak of eternal events.  Both speak of things for which we can prepare, but once happened cannot be reversed.  The first verse speaks of that which greatly pains our Heavenly Father.  The second of that which brings Him pleasure.  The first speaks of eternal separation from those He dearly loves.  The second speaks of eternal fellowship with those He dearly loves.

Application:  Since I will surely die, it is for me to set my destination to spend eternity with God.  Since I have already sinned, I can do nothing to deserve spending eternity with God.  Since Jesus has already paid the full price for my sins I should accept His forgiveness and make Him the Lord of my life which I have done and do.  Since I am forgiven, it pleasures me to make Him the subject of my worship.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you are worthy of my praise.  It is my pleasure to bring joy to you.  I want you to enjoy living in my heart. And may heaven rejoice when I die. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!